Discussion
Red Devil said:
Apart from a short stretch in Durness itself this section of the A838 is single track - https://maps.app.goo.gl/EzX9G6PMg6UJBgxG7
Crikey so most of it is (thanks) - I think the following stretch from Heilam to the Causeway is what I had in mind. Certainly left a lasting impression... 
Ta for Crask Inn and JoG tips. Sounds like I'd likely do it again rather than carry on
Hoofty said:
Red Devil said:
Apart from a short stretch in Durness itself this section of the A838 is single track - https://maps.app.goo.gl/EzX9G6PMg6UJBgxG7
Crikey so most of it is (thanks) - I think the following stretch from Heilam to the Causeway is what I had in mind. Certainly left a lasting impression... This video (c/o PHer Reg Local) is heading in the opposite direction - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLB_C7HgG3Q
The opening sequence is here - https://maps.app.goo.gl/7phZaa8J8DHQoNM87 - after that up to 4:58 it's the A894/A837/A835 as far as Morefield just north of Ullapool.
Hoofty said:
Ta for Crask Inn and JoG tips. Sounds like I'd likely do it again rather than carry on
Happy to oblige. 2024 will be my 15th consecutive trip to the Highlands (except for 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic).It's not just the drive: there is always something new to find away from the NC500 route.
My view of JoG is probably coloured by the fact that on my first visit the weather was pants and shopping doesn't float my boat....
The second time, my friend wanted to do the tick box thing. Jeez, the place was overrun with coach parties.
Tours from various parts of Europe buying souvenirs and other tat, plus squadrons of homegrown grannies getting hot and bothered over knitwear...
Took a quick pic at the finger post sign, drove to the lighhouse and took pics of the stacks, then headed to Helmsdale via this route - https://maps.app.goo.gl/eSHjaTB8j1rGbeN16
Horses for courses, but I haven't set foot in JoG since and likely never will again.
Hoofty said:
Definitely worth heading north of Ullapool, take in Kylesku and carry on up to Durness and Tongue. Mostly two lanes if memory serves (weather was grim). I've not carried on to JOG yet but enjoyed the track down from Tongue to Lairg - single track but very well sighted.
Maybe don't repeat Bealach - it's fun to do once but more an event than driving experience. Although the subsequent coast road from Applecross is nice, it ultimately puts you on the single lane approach to Torridon (which is very pretty but but but).
If it's open (post landslide), the A816 from Lochgilphead to Oban is mega. Closer to Fort Bill I'm a big fan of the short bit of the A830 between Glenfinnan and Lochailort, although getting there from FB is a minor chore (stop and check out the Corpach Wreck maybe?). You can work it into a loop of the Ardnamurchan peninsula and take in the Corran ferry if you like. More good than great.
Noting (and agreeing with) you comment on the A82 through Glencoe, the more fun way to get between Tyndrum and Ballachulish is the A85 and A828 (take in Castle Stalker on the way, maybes).
Take care and have fun whatever you try - quite envious (yet inspired!)
Nick
The A816 opened a couple of days before Christmas - I would go Glasgow-Lochgilphead A82/A83, interesting and quick if you get a quiet run from before the Rest and be Thankful, and the A816 from Lochgilphead to Oban is epic as you say, has a bit of everything! And it's now a designated logging route (which always makes me laugh as it's not a trunk route...and hence why it was closed for ten weeks after the landslide, yet the landslides on the Rest were sorted/road open in 24-36 hours) so they've widened a lot of corners in the last few years. A828 to Fort William is similar but it's a lot busier, especially now coming in to the season, and lots of it is 50mph now.Maybe don't repeat Bealach - it's fun to do once but more an event than driving experience. Although the subsequent coast road from Applecross is nice, it ultimately puts you on the single lane approach to Torridon (which is very pretty but but but).
If it's open (post landslide), the A816 from Lochgilphead to Oban is mega. Closer to Fort Bill I'm a big fan of the short bit of the A830 between Glenfinnan and Lochailort, although getting there from FB is a minor chore (stop and check out the Corpach Wreck maybe?). You can work it into a loop of the Ardnamurchan peninsula and take in the Corran ferry if you like. More good than great.
Noting (and agreeing with) you comment on the A82 through Glencoe, the more fun way to get between Tyndrum and Ballachulish is the A85 and A828 (take in Castle Stalker on the way, maybes).
Take care and have fun whatever you try - quite envious (yet inspired!)
Nick
The A85 is a very decent road too, quick, well sited in a lot of places, but it's no A816!
I've just put out my Bealach na Ba in a Tesla video. Well, part 1 which does the whole thing largely unedited westbound. Snow at the top! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Na9ZsfzuAnc
What was brilliant about doing it late February was the complete lack of Ms - Midges, Morons, and Motor-caravans...
What was brilliant about doing it late February was the complete lack of Ms - Midges, Morons, and Motor-caravans...
stevoknevo said:
The A816 opened a couple of days before Christmas - I would go Glasgow-Lochgilphead A82/A83, interesting and quick if you get a quiet run from before the Rest and be Thankful, and the A816 from Lochgilphead to Oban is epic as you say, has a bit of everything! And it's now a designated logging route (which always makes me laugh as it's not a trunk route...and hence why it was closed for ten weeks after the landslide, yet the landslides on the Rest were sorted/road open in 24-36 hours) so they've widened a lot of corners in the last few years. A828 to Fort William is similar but it's a lot busier, especially now coming in to the season, and lots of it is 50mph now.
The A85 is a very decent road too, quick, well sited in a lot of places, but it's no A816!
I'm going to take your advice and head to Oban for the first night, it will be the first time I've been so looking forward to it. The A85 is a very decent road too, quick, well sited in a lot of places, but it's no A816!
I'm unsure what borders route to take:
I've driven Moffat > Selkirk, Moffat > Penicuik and Abington > Biggar - all fantastic routes but I fancy a little change?
Are there any west of the M74 that are worth taking?
Well, I'm back.
Another phenomenal trip, this time in the GR86 as opposed to the Megane RS. from last year.
They are both fantastic cars and I'm lucky to have owned both but the GR edges it for driver involvement. That said, the Megane is/was easier to live with in almost all respects.
Highlights of this trip:
A83 to Lochgilphead. Wow. Fast, flowing, well-sighted, smooth. What a road.
A87 Invergarry to Dornie. A highland masterpiece. Fast, wide, vast and smooth.
A93 Ballater to Blairgowrie. Spectacular up high, technical down low. A challenge to master.
March may just be the perfect time of year as for the most part I had the roads to myself, I'm well aware that even the best roads when heavy with traffic are nothing but frustrating.
Another phenomenal trip, this time in the GR86 as opposed to the Megane RS. from last year.
They are both fantastic cars and I'm lucky to have owned both but the GR edges it for driver involvement. That said, the Megane is/was easier to live with in almost all respects.
Highlights of this trip:
A83 to Lochgilphead. Wow. Fast, flowing, well-sighted, smooth. What a road.
A87 Invergarry to Dornie. A highland masterpiece. Fast, wide, vast and smooth.
A93 Ballater to Blairgowrie. Spectacular up high, technical down low. A challenge to master.
March may just be the perfect time of year as for the most part I had the roads to myself, I'm well aware that even the best roads when heavy with traffic are nothing but frustrating.
TheFungle said:
I'm unsure what borders route to take:
I've driven Moffat > Selkirk, Moffat > Penicuik and Abington > Biggar - all fantastic routes but I fancy a little change?
Are there any west of the M74 that are worth taking?
For future reference, the old A74 which was reclassified when the A74(M) was opened.I've driven Moffat > Selkirk, Moffat > Penicuik and Abington > Biggar - all fantastic routes but I fancy a little change?
Are there any west of the M74 that are worth taking?
I always go that way as the constant speed monotony of motorways is soporific.
Usually very little traffic and plenty of overtaking opportunities if you do encounter any.
Gretna Greed to Abington:- https://maps.app.goo.gl/Y2S65B6UxvZ1TNUt5
Abington to M74 J10 - https://maps.app.goo.gl/wh8QsQhSUsj2wkdS9
A longer alternative from Gretna to Abington - https://maps.app.goo.gl/WH3UumynmaQxkrzZ8
The B797 climbs over the Mennock Pass. Wanlockhead is the highest village in Scotland.
Hi guys, I'm making my first trip up to Scotland next week from London and wanted to run my route past the resident experts of this thread with any pointers, tips, suggestions all welcome!
Will be going in an Exige 430 Cup so slightly conscious of the single track roads, dips, etc. but from what I've read it should still be doable despite no lift as the car isn't as low as say a GT4...
Day 1: Slog up to Fort William with a few passes thrown in (~400 miles) https://maps.app.goo.gl/hZBSiT6D8NNytiK2A
Will be going in an Exige 430 Cup so slightly conscious of the single track roads, dips, etc. but from what I've read it should still be doable despite no lift as the car isn't as low as say a GT4...
Day 1: Slog up to Fort William with a few passes thrown in (~400 miles) https://maps.app.goo.gl/hZBSiT6D8NNytiK2A
- Buxton (overnighting from London here given we are looking at checking out the sun rise at Mam Tor)
- Dalveen Pass (it was a toss up between this or the Mennock Pass, but given I haven't done either yet, I'd be fine with either!)
- South of Loch Lomond
- Duke's Pass
- Cranlarich
- Fort William
- Fort William
- Glenfinnan (thinking of a later start to rest from the miles the day before and to get some pictures of the train at 11am ish!)
- Sligachan via A87 and Skye Bridge
- Portree
- Quiraing Loop
- Neist Point Lighthouse via A850 (not super convinced I should be doing this but thought may as well given I'm on the isle?)
- Back to Hotel near Skye Bridge via A863
- Skye
- Loch Carron via A890
- Bealach na Ba via A896
- Applecross west side loop
- Loch Torridon via A563
- Loch Maree via A832
- Continue through A832 then up to Ullapool via A835
- Ullapool
- Kylesku via A837
- Kinlochbervie
- Sango Sands
- Laid
- Moine Ho
- Lairg
- Ullapool
- Ullapool
- Loch Glascanorch
- Inverness
- Nairn
- Balmoral
- Old Military Road
- Perth
- Edinburgh
certainly very complete, in terms of mainland west coast. Personally I would build in more time for chilling out and enjoying each place instead of just hammering the driving but I know that has come up on here before and some people just want to do the driving. Intrigued as to why you're not planning to hit any of the islands? (Skye doesn't count!)
if you really want to take a picture of the train travel up the A830 for a few miles, the road goes straight and is close to the line, there are places to park and then stand on the grass to take pictures
bearing in mind it does usually stop at Glenfinnan for a while which we found to our cost as we got soaked through waiting for it thinking it will be a long in a minute - about 30/45 mins later
Glenfinnan - we could not get near even 1.5 hrs before the train was due
bearing in mind it does usually stop at Glenfinnan for a while which we found to our cost as we got soaked through waiting for it thinking it will be a long in a minute - about 30/45 mins later
Glenfinnan - we could not get near even 1.5 hrs before the train was due
Implus1 said:
Hi guys, I'm making my first trip up to Scotland next week from London and wanted to run my route past the resident experts of this thread with any pointers, tips, suggestions all welcome!
Day 1.I wouldn't go via the Clyde Tunnel and the slog up Great Western Road. Stay on the M8 and go via the Erskine Bridge. Refuel at the Shell in Paisley Road, Renfrew.
If you do, make sure you turn off the A741 before the roundabout after crossing the motorway! - https://maps.app.goo.gl/SjZ1RVRaWRxWY8HN8
Day 5.
The A96 is the main road from Inverness to Aberdeen and carries a lot of traffic. It's also all S2 and known for dodgy overtakes by impatient loons.
Stay on the A9 at the Raigmore roundabout, come off at the next junction, and go past the Culloden Moor battlefield site.
The B roads are much more fun and you'll cut out Nairn as well - https://maps.app.goo.gl/mKkifKs3yVj1jHfz8
Day 6.
This is the route I take from Edinburgh to Scotch Corner - https://maps.app.goo.gl/4TDByZY5SJKZUygt7
The only downside is the number of Gatsos on the A68 as far as the border at Carter Bar.
Their locations are all well known though so it's not a problem - https://www.speedcameramap.co.uk/.
I'm happy to trade that for the cracking B roads from Corbridge to the A1(M) at Barton.
Very little traffic whenever I have been there. The Exige is the pefect tool to dispatch any you might encounter.
HTH
GSA_fattie said:
if you really want to take a picture of the train travel up the A830 for a few miles, the road goes straight and is close to the line, there are places to park and then stand on the grass to take pictures
bearing in mind it does usually stop at Glenfinnan for a while which we found to our cost as we got soaked through waiting for it thinking it will be a long in a minute - about 30/45 mins later
Glenfinnan - we could not get near even 1.5 hrs before the train was due
I was up there with my missus 2 or 3 years ago and we stopped at a dirt layby slightly west of the viaduct (maybe a mile or 2) where there were no other cars. Train track is about 200 yds from the layby.bearing in mind it does usually stop at Glenfinnan for a while which we found to our cost as we got soaked through waiting for it thinking it will be a long in a minute - about 30/45 mins later
Glenfinnan - we could not get near even 1.5 hrs before the train was due
Only downside is its not the bridge obviously.
Implus1 said:
Hi guys, I'm making my first trip up to Scotland next week from London and wanted to run my route past the resident experts of this thread with any pointers, tips, suggestions all welcome!
Day1At Glencoe turn right onto the B863 and do the Kinlochleven loop and rejoin the A82 at North Ballachulish.
Day3
Turn right at Kinlochewe and have a blatt up to the viewing point take a pic and blatt back down again. Wonderful piece of tarmac and good photo opportunity from the viewing point.
Edited by Drive Blind on Wednesday 27th March 17:35
Blown2CV said:
certainly very complete, in terms of mainland west coast. Personally I would build in more time for chilling out and enjoying each place instead of just hammering the driving but I know that has come up on here before and some people just want to do the driving. Intrigued as to why you're not planning to hit any of the islands? (Skye doesn't count!)
I think that schedule is already pretty well packed without trying to cram in the islands and Calmacs less than perfect service (lovely as some of them are). Shetland, Orkney, Mull or the Lewis/Harris/Uists/Barra could all easily fill a week on their own so save them for another trip. Snow and Rocks said:
Blown2CV said:
certainly very complete, in terms of mainland west coast. Personally I would build in more time for chilling out and enjoying each place instead of just hammering the driving but I know that has come up on here before and some people just want to do the driving. Intrigued as to why you're not planning to hit any of the islands? (Skye doesn't count!)
I think that schedule is already pretty well packed without trying to cram in the islands and Calmacs less than perfect service (lovely as some of them are). Shetland, Orkney, Mull or the Lewis/Harris/Uists/Barra could all easily fill a week on their own so save them for another trip. Day 3
May I suggest turning right at Kinlochewe and doing the 'full loop' - my preference has always been to do it anti-clockwise we the Western Isles really start to reveal themselves when you get past Dundonnell.
Be aware that the surface from Braemore to Dundonnell is pretty rough at the moment and I'd also suggest your route from Portree to Kinlochewe will be super slow going, it's really not a driving set of roads.
May I suggest turning right at Kinlochewe and doing the 'full loop' - my preference has always been to do it anti-clockwise we the Western Isles really start to reveal themselves when you get past Dundonnell.
Be aware that the surface from Braemore to Dundonnell is pretty rough at the moment and I'd also suggest your route from Portree to Kinlochewe will be super slow going, it's really not a driving set of roads.
Gassing Station | Roads | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff